"Xiao Li, if you are still doubting me, I could always mention that specific mole you have on your inner thigh." Bai Xifeng said, her lips curling into a mischievous, knowing grin.
Xiao Li's face turned bright red in an instant. It was true, she did have a small birthmark there, a secret known only to her mistress, who had seen it while helping to tend to a particularly nasty wound in the past.
"You... you really are my Young Miss?" Xiao Li stammered, her suspicion finally beginning to melt away into pure bewilderment.
"Of course I am, you silly girl. Who else would I be?" Bai Xifeng laughed.
To prove her point, she reached forward and playfully pinched Xiao Li's cheek, giving it a firm, affectionate tug.
"Ouch! That hurts, Young Miss!" Xiao Li squeaked, wincing as she tried to pull away.
Bai Xifeng finally released her hold, looking quite satisfied with herself. "Consider that your little punishment for daring to doubt your own mistress."
Xiao Li pouted slightly while rubbing her sore cheek. She could not really be blamed, though, if a strange man suddenly materialized in a young lady's private chambers, anyone in their right mind would be shocked. However, as her panic subsided, she finally took a proper look at her mistress's appearance.
"But Young Miss, what on earth are you wearing?" Xiao Li asked, gesturing to the sharp, masculine tailoring of the outfit.
"This? It's my disguise." Bai Xifeng replied, striking a confident pose to show off the transformation. "I intend to sneak out and pay a visit to the Shanghai House."
"What?! Young Miss, that place is far too dangerous! If something needs to be done there, just let me go instead." Xiao Li pleaded, her head shaking frantically.
"No, Xiao Li. This is a journey I must undertake personally. I need to see certain things with my own eyes." Bai Xifeng insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"But... but the risks..." Xiao Li started to protest again.
"This time is different, Xiao Li. Now, stop worrying and listen to me carefully." Bai Xifeng said, her gaze sharpening as she fixed her eyes on the maid.
"I... I understand. I'm listening," Xiao Li replied, instinctively standing up straighter and smoothing out her apron.
"I have a vital mission for you while I am gone." Bai Xifeng began, her voice dropping to a serious whisper. "You are to be the guardian of this courtyard. You must not allow a single soul to enter while I am away. If anyone comes knocking, make up whatever excuse you must to keep them out. Do you understand?"
Xiao Li nodded vigorously, her expression turning solemn. "Yes, Young Miss. I won't let anyone past the gate, I promise!"
"Good. I will try to return as quickly as possible." Bai Xifeng said, softening her expression as she reached out to pat Xiao Li's head affectionately.
"Please, Young Miss... just stay safe." Xiao Li whispered, her eyes filled with genuine concern for the girl she had served for so long.
"Don't worry about me, Xiao Li. I'm off!" Bai Xifeng waved a hand over her shoulder and slipped out into the shadows of the courtyard.
Once she reached the perimeter of the estate, she paused. 'Baishe, I need to get out of the Bai Residence without alerting the guards. Can you assist?'
She had originally planned to use the small, hidden gap in the wall that Xiao Li often used for errands, but Baishe had suggested a much more efficient method. With a low hum of energy, Baishe exerted his power, and the space around Bai Xifeng seemed to shimmer and fold. In the blink of an eye, she found herself standing on the bustling street outside the high walls.
"Your abilities are incredibly useful, Baishe. I'm glad I have you with me." Bai Xifeng said, offering a sincere word of praise to the spirit in her earring.
"It is my honor to serve." Baishe replied, a hint of pride warming his voice. He was quietly pleased to be of such direct help to her.
"Well then, let's see what the Shanghai House has to offer." Bai Xifeng snapped open the elegant folding fan she had brought as a prop, tucked her chin with a scholarly air, and began to stride confidently into the heart of the city
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